How to Find Out Who an Unknown Caller Is (2024)

If you've received a call from an unknown number or a number that displays as No Caller ID, be careful! Telemarketers and scammers often intentionally hide their number or even display a fake number to hide their identity. We'll show you how to unmask No Caller ID numbers on your iPhone by using *69 or third-party apps to trackunknown callers. Once you have this information, you can report the unknown callerand adjust your settings to silence orblock the unknown number.

Jump To:

• Dial *69 to Find Out a No Caller Id Number
• Best Apps for Finding an Unknown Caller Number on iPhone
• ReportUnknownCallers
• Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone
• Frequently Asked Questions

Dial *69 to Track an Unknown Caller with No Caller ID

Dialing *69 is an extremely handy service when it comes to finding out an unknown caller's identity. When you miss a call from an unknown number, you can dial *69 to trace the number—and name and address if listed in a public database—to reveal more information about the caller's identity. This will help you figure out who called, even if the phone number is hidden and shows up as No Caller ID. However, this service is only offered by some phone companies, and some providersmay charge an additional fee. If you do want to use this service, here's how to reveala No Caller ID number on your iPhone:

1. Dial *69 immediately after a missed call from an unknown number or a number that shows No Caller ID.
2. If the service doesn’t automatically activate, press the greencallbutton.
3. An automated voice will tell you the last number that called you along with any other available caller ID information.

Once you have this information, you can call the number back and attempt to remove yourself from the call list. However, the easiest and best method is simply to block the number.To block a number on your iPhone, check out our article coveringhow to block unknown calls on your iPhone.

Use a 3rd-Party App Find Out an Unknown Caller's Number

If your service provider does not offer *69, you can still access the information by downloading an app. There are a fair number of apps that you candownload to reveal who is calling from any given number. We've gone through and chosen a few reliable and trustworthy apps to find and identify unknown numbers and callers. If you like tips like this, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter!

1. Reverse Lookup - Free

Reverse Lookup is a free service that allows you to run a reverse search on a phone number. While this isn't useful if you don't know the caller's number, it may still be useful if you find that you are receiving a lot of random calls from the same number. There's always the possibility that someone simply has the wrong number, or you can discern whether that person is someone you might know. Either way, not a lotof these services are completely free, and that's definitely a pro in and of itself.

2. Number Finder - $7.99–$14.99

Number Finder is one of the top apps to make reverse phone number searches. You can use this app to reveal the phone number of No Caller IDphone calls, whether you missed the call or receive a text from the number instead of a call.You can also gain access to detailed information, including potentially the name and location of the caller. This way, you can avoid annoying bill collectors, scammers, telemarketers, and even exes for a more peaceful frame of mind. Additionally, this app does offer a three-day free trial period if you only need to nail down one or two annoying callers in the short term.

3. TrapCall - $9.99–$94.99*

If you're being harassed by No Caller ID numbers, TrapCall is a service that will reveal the number and Caller ID of anyone who has masked their number. By allowing you to check No Caller ID numbers, TrapCall can turn unfamiliar numbers into real names, even sometimes including an address with Live Caller ID. The service truly does offer some amazing benefits, including revealing numbers and identities of unknown calls, automatically blocking more than two hundred thousand identified spam callers and telemarketers, recording incoming phone calls for evidence, and tracking down digitalstalkers. While TrapCall isn't free, I believe the price can be well worth the peace of mind. Additionally, this app also offers a 7-day free trial period.

*Note: TrapCall appprices vary per country.

ReportUnknown Callers & Numbers

There are a few different ways you can report spam and scam calls. This is especially relevant if you feel you are being harassed or you would like police involvement. Because of this, these suggestions are not to be taken lightly, and these services should only be used under absolutely necessary circ*mstances.

1. Dial *57

Similar to *69, this is a service that is offered by some phone providers that allows you to call this number after you have received an unwanted calland it will automatically connect you with your local law enforcement officials. Police will then be able to track your incoming calls, even those with "No Caller ID," and act upon them. If you are in an emergency, be sure to also dial 911 and contact emergency services immediately. However, keep in mind that *57 is not offered by all providers and may come at an additional charge.

2.Contact Your Phone Company

You may be able to receive assistance with annoying or harassing phone calls by contacting your service provider. The phone company may be able to provide you with the phone number of an unknown caller if the calls are coming in as "No Caller ID." They can also provide you with a list of both incoming and outgoing calls with the unmasked phone numbers easily visible. If the information is available publicly in places like on the internet or in the Yellow Pages, you may be able to figure out the caller's identity. Also, you can receive assistance with blocking or reporting numbers via your phone company to ensure you no longer receive these calls.

3. If You're aUS Citizen, Report Scam Calls to the FTC

If you continue to receive scam calls, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates callers in the United States. You can report potential scam calls to 1-888-382-1222, however, I recommend using the online form, which is easier and faster. Here’s how to report scam calls to the FTC using their online form:

1. Go to theFTC’s Report Fraudpage.
2. Click theReport Nowbutton at the top of the page.
3. Fill out the short form with any detailsyou can provide.
4. Once you've finished filling out the form, clickSubmit and your report will be sent tothe FTC.

Silence Unknown Callers in Your iPhone Settings

While you need to know the phone number of a caller to block them, you can still silence unknown callers on your iPhone, even if you don't know the number or they are listed as No Caller ID. Apple has a built-in feature that will allow you to automatically silence unfamiliar phone numbers that are not inyour contact list. While the callers can still leave a voicemail, your iPhone won't ring for unknown calls. If it is someone you know, you can always call the number back later, and be sure to save the number in your contacts to avoid missing calls from that person in the future.

1. To silence unknown callers, open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tapPhone.
3. SelectSilence Unknown Callers.
4. ToggleSilence Unknown Callersto on. It will be green when enabled.

Depending on your provider, you may also have an option within Phone settings to Silence Junk Callers. For instance, I use Verizon and I can turn this feature on in the Phone settings.

1. Open theSettings app, then scroll down and tap Phone.
2. SelectCall Blocking & Identification.
3. ToggleSilence Junk Callerson. It will be green when enabled.

If you have downloadedTrapCall or another call screening app, you will also be able to enable that app under this section of Phone settings as well. Junk, spam, scams, and telemarketingschemes areso common now throughphone calls. It's important not only that we protect our personal information, but also ourselves and our peace of mind. These random calls can beannoying, so don't feel bad about blocking them, silencing them, or getting to the bottom of who keeps calling you.